Danville Express

Newsfront - January 2, 2009

District appoints new fire marshal

Christina Jamison will lead Fire Prevention Division

Fire Chief Richard Price announced recently the appointment of Christina Jamison to the position of fire marshal for the San Ramon Valley Fire Protection District. Jamison was previously the fire marshal/assistant chief for the Ventura County Fire Protection District in Southern California.

"Chief Jamison is well versed with California Building and Fire Codes and has developed an excellent reputation and working relationship within the building industry," said Price. "Her operational experience as a planning section chief on wildland incidents and her accomplishments as fire marshal in developing and managing vegetation hazard abatement programs are highly valued by San Ramon Valley Fire."

Jamison holds a bachelor of science degree in Occupational Studies from California State University at Long Beach. She has also completed her associate degree in Fire Technology and will begin the four-year Executive Fire Officer Program at the National Fire Academy in 2009.

"I am both honored and excited to serve as Fire Marshal for the San Ramon Valley Fire Protection District," said Jamison. "I look forward to my involvement with the District's established fire and life safety programs and to being a member of this great community."

As fire marshal for the San Ramon Valley Fire Protection District, Jamison will lead the Fire Prevention Division, which oversees fire investigations, plan checking, code compliance, public education, the Community Emergency Response Team program and the exterior hazard abatement program.

"Our representatives were very impressed with Chief Jamison throughout the recruitment and evaluation process," said John Keel, president of the San Ramon Valley Firefighters Association. "We are confident that she will do an outstanding job for the district. We look forward to working closely with Chief Jamison and her staff to reduce the risk from fire and other hazards in our community."

Jamison's career with the Ventura County Fire Protection District spanned 13 years, first as a fire specialist and then as a fire inspector. In 2007, Jamison was appointed to the position of fire marshal/assistant chief, where she oversaw a staff of 37 and was responsible for countless programs. She has a 21-year old son and two daughters, ages 18 and 15, and will reside with her family in Danville.

In 2006 Jamison was appointed by Gov. Schwarzenegger to the California Building Standards Commission and was presented with the "Fire Official of the Year" award by the California Building Official's Association in recognition of her significant achievements in protecting, promoting and ensuring public safety.

The San Ramon Valley Fire Protection District service area encompasses approximately 155 square miles, covering the communities of Alamo, Blackhawk, the Town of Danville, Diablo, San Ramon, the southern boundary of Morgan Territory and the Tassajara Valley, all located in Contra Costa County. The district has 185 full-time employees and 50 volunteers.